MFA: Baku firmly rejects and condemns the French Foreign Minister's anti-Azerbaijani statements

Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has firmly rejected and condemned the French Foreign Minister’s recent accusations of interference, accusing France of attempting to divert attention from its actions in New Caledonia and undermining efforts for decolonization.

Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Aykhan Hajizada, responded on X to comments made by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who accused Azerbaijan of interfering in overseas territories. Hajizada described the French minister’s statement as a clear attempt to deflect attention from France’s inaction regarding the demands of the indigenous population in New Caledonia.

Hajizada emphasized that it is France, not Azerbaijan, that has historically interfered in regional matters and sought to undermine Azerbaijan's efforts to restore peace and stability. 

“The Baku Initiative Group, an NGO, seeks to highlight France's colonial policies and issues in its overseas territories. Discrediting such groups only weakens the decolonization process,” he said.

He further criticized France for its repression of the indigenous population of New Caledonia, where the use of force resulted in at least 14 deaths and many injuries last year. “Rather than ending repression, France resorts to blackmailing Azerbaijan, revealing the ineffectiveness of its foreign policy,” Hajizada wrote.

Hajizada also condemned France’s use of its influence in international organizations to exert pressure on NGOs working against neo-colonial policies. "Such actions will not succeed," he said, reaffirming that Azerbaijan firmly rejects and condemns the anti-Azerbaijani claims made by the French Foreign Minister.

Copied